Question 1

If you are hit by online or UPI fraud

Accepted Answer

Call 1930 immediately; reporting within the first hours gives the best chance of freezing the money. Report at cybercrime.gov.in and inform your bank at once. Under RBI rules, if a third-party fraud is reported to your bank within 3 working days, your liability is zero. No police or agency conducts a "digital arrest" over video call. That is always a scam. Cyber fraud helpline: 1930 · cybercrime.gov.in

Question 2

If you or someone you know is arrested

Accepted Answer

You must be told the grounds of arrest, and you have the right to consult a lawyer of your choice (Article 22(1) of the Constitution). You must be produced before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest, excluding travel time (Article 22(2)). Police must inform a relative or friend of your choice about the arrest and where you are held. For offences punishable with up to 7 years, police should usually issue a notice to appear instead of arresting (Section 35, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita). A woman should not be arrested after sunset or before sunrise except in exceptional cases, with a magistrate's prior permission (Section 43(5), BNSS). Free legal aid: NALSA helpline 15100 · Emergency: 112

Question 3

Your right to protest and speak

Accepted Answer

Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and to assemble peaceably and without arms (Article 19(1)(b)). These rights can be limited only by reasonable restrictions in law, such as for public order. Prohibitory orders (Section 163 BNSS, formerly Section 144 CrPC) must be issued in writing with reasons, and can be challenged before the High Court. Peaceful participation in a protest is not by itself a crime. Keep a copy of any permission or order, and note officer names if detained. Free legal aid: NALSA helpline 15100

Question 4

Filing a police complaint (FIR)

Accepted Answer

Police must register an FIR when a complaint discloses a cognizable offence (Supreme Court, Lalita Kumari v. Govt of UP, 2013). You can file a Zero FIR at any police station, whatever the place of the crime; it is then transferred (Section 173, BNSS). You are entitled to a free copy of the FIR. If the station refuses, you can send the complaint to the Superintendent of Police, and then approach a magistrate. Emergency: 112

Question 5

Your rights as a consumer

Accepted Answer

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 protects you against defective goods, deficient services, unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. You can file a complaint online at edaakhil.nic.in without a lawyer. District Commissions hear claims up to ₹50 lakh; State Commissions up to ₹2 crore; the National Commission above that. National Consumer Helpline: 1915

Question 6

Ask the government: Right to Information

Accepted Answer

Any citizen can seek information from a public authority under the RTI Act, 2005, without giving reasons. The fee is ₹10, and applicants below the poverty line are exempt. A reply is due within 30 days, or within 48 hours where life or liberty is involved. If refused or ignored, you can file a first appeal within 30 days. Central government RTIs can be filed at rtionline.gov.in. File online: rtionline.gov.in

Question 7

Safety rights for women

Accepted Answer

A woman can file a Zero FIR at any police station, and her statement in sexual offence cases is to be recorded by a woman officer. Workplaces with 10 or more employees must have an Internal Committee to hear sexual harassment complaints (POSH Act, 2013). The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 gives rights to protection orders, residence and maintenance. Emergency: 112 · Women helpline: 181

Question 8

Your right to vote

Accepted Answer

Every citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote (Article 326). Check that your name is on the electoral roll at voters.eci.gov.in well before polling day. You can report model code of conduct violations, like cash or gifts for votes, through the ECI cVIGIL app. Voter helpline: 1950

Question 9

Emergency medical care is your right

Accepted Answer

Every hospital, public or private, must give emergency care to save life; it cannot wait for police formalities (Supreme Court, Parmanand Katara, 1989). A Good Samaritan who helps an accident victim cannot be forced to pay or be detained (Section 134A, Motor Vehicles Act). Emergency: 112 · Ambulance: 108

Question 10

Equality and protection from discrimination

Accepted Answer

Everyone is equal before the law (Article 14), and the State cannot discriminate on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth (Article 15). Untouchability is abolished and its practice in any form is an offence (Article 17). The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provides special protection and courts for crimes against Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Free legal aid: NALSA helpline 15100

Know Your Rights: A Citizen's Guide for India